A lot of things I could say, but I think I'll just go with one memory that sticks out today.

We were filming Stanton T. Friedman is Real in New Mexico in the summer of 2000, and Stan and I were leaning against the car about 25 miles outside Roswell, in the middle of nowhere, just looking out at the landscape, chatting amiably while waiting for my crew to set up. I asked him if he ever got lonely, spending so much time on the road.

His answer?

"My family is always with me, wherever I go."

I recommend this short, nice remembrance / memorial of Stan by my good friend, historian Aaron Gulyas. I think both Aaron and I see Stan as a cultural figure and folk hero as much as we do a ufological personage. His influence on popular culture is significant.

Most important, however, is that he was a good, kind, decent human being, who always believed that better days were ahead. I count myself lucky to have known him. He was, in many ways, the Yoda to my Obi-wan.

A lot of things I could say, but I think I'll just go with one memory that sticks out today.

We were filming Stanton T. Friedman is Real in New Mexico in the summer of 2000, and Stan and I were leaning against the car about 25 miles outside Roswell, in the middle of nowhere, just looking out at the landscape, chatting amiably while waiting for my crew to set up. I asked him if he ever got lonely, spending so much time on the road.

His answer?

"My family is always with me, wherever I go."

I recommend this short, nice remembrance / memorial of Stan by my good friend, historian Aaron Gulyas. I think both Aaron and I see Stan as a cultural figure and folk hero as much as we do a ufological personage. His influence on popular culture is significant.

Most important, however, is that he was a good, kind, decent human being, who always believed that better days were ahead. I count myself lucky to have known him. He was, in many ways, the Yoda to my Obi-wan.

Coast to Coast AM is deeply saddened to share the news that iconic UFO researcher Stanton T. Friedman has passed away at the age of 84. He is undoubtedly best known for being the first civilian investigator to research the landmark Roswell incident. His explosive uncovering of the mysterious 1947 event in New Mexico left an indelible mark on not only UFO studies, but the zeitgeist as well with 'Roswell' becoming synonymous with the phenomenon in the minds of millions of individuals around the world. A myriad of books, movies, TV shows, and other forms of media that explored the infamous incident can be traced back to Friedman putting Roswell on the proverbial map of UFO lore.

Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey in 1934, he received BS and MS degrees in Physics from the University of Chicago in 1955 and 1956. Friedman subsequently spent the next 14 years working on advanced nuclear propulsion projects for such companies as General Electric, General Motors, and Westinghouse. On a whim in 1958, he purchased Air Force Captain Edward Ruppelt's book The Report on Unidentified Flying Saucers and this sparked an interest in the UFO phenomenon which would change his life forever. He dove headlong into studying what were then known as flying saucers and began lecturing on the topic in 1967.

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When the nuclear propulsion field withered in 1970, Friedman decided to pursue the UFO phenomenon as a full-time job, writing numerous papers on the topic and educating the public on the enigma through speaking engagements. Over the next five decades, Friedman lectured at over 600 colleges, more than 100 professional groups, in all 50 of the United States, each of the nine provinces of Canada, as well as 13 other countries. He also appeared on countless television and radio programs as a champion for the study of flying saucers and a powerful voice against skeptics whom he famously dubbed "noisy, nasty, negativists." Along the way, he continued writing about the phenomenon, authoring or co-authoring six books on the subject.

As he settled into the role of elder statesman in the world of UFO studies, Friedman affectionately came to be known as the 'Father of Modern Day Ufology.' A beloved fixture in the community, his sharp wit, classic quips, and fastidious attention to detail when it came to the 'nuts and bolts' of flying saucers were legendary. And his indefatigable advocacy for the reality of the UFO phenomenon led to many considering him to be perhaps the greatest champion for the subject that the field has ever known.

Friedman will be fondly remembered for the many friendships he forged with fellow UFO researchers as well as other members of the paranormal community at large who came to know him over the course of his prodigious career. We thank him for his enormous contribution to the field of UFO studies and for the measureless memories he provided us for so many years.

Obituary for Stanton Friedman Stanton Terry Friedman took his last breaths in this world in a place where he spent so much time over the past five decades–– an airport. He died in Toronto on May 13th, on the way home to Fredericton from a speaking engagement in Ohio.

He officially retired in 2018, but his passion for speaking about UFOs kept him accumulating air miles, even at the age of 84. Over the years, he lectured in 10 provinces, 50 states, and 19 countries.

Stan was born on July 29, 1934. He grew up in Linden, New Jersey, but after meeting his wife, Marilyn (Kimball), he became so smitten, he eventually followed her across the border to New Brunswick, Canada, where they put down roots in Fredericton, a city he happily called home for nearly 40 years.

Along with Marilyn, Stan leaves behind his daughters Rachel and Melissa (David Parsons), a grandson, James Kenneth (Luzelle Carranza Aquino) and a great-grandson, James.

He was predeceased by two sons, Sean and James Leo.

Decades before his attention was captured by little green men, Stan worked as a waiter in the Catskills to put himself through university. It was there in the “Borscht Belt” that he he first laid eyes on a lobster and danced with debutantes.

Afterwards, he worked as a nuclear physicist for General Electric, McDonnell Douglas, and other companies. But by the 1970’s he’d abandoned those top secret projects to focus on his research into UFOs. In that career, he gave hundreds, more likely thousands of interviews and appeared on TV shows such as Larry King Live, and Unsolved Mysteries. He is heralded as the man who brought the “Roswell Incident” into the public eye.

While his mind often dwelled on solar systems light years away, here on earth, he was a kind–hearted softie who never failed to hold open a door or pull out a chair for the people he was with. Stan was a man who was out of this world, but he’ll be greatly missed by those of us still on the planet.

A public visitation will be held at the York Funeral Home on Friday, May 17, 2019 from 4 to 8pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the International UFO Museum & Research centre in Roswell, New Mexico. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com